89Fox2013

Hello all. I have a completely stock 1989 Mustang GT hatchback with fuel injection and automatic transmission. Here's the problem: one night the steering wheel took a good thump and now the vehicle won't start. I checked the fuse box, fuse by the ECU, under the seat, the switch in the hatch, plugs, wires, battery, and air filter-all are good. I even thought maybe the ECU went out so I replaced that and still nothing. I can hear the fuel prime and the dash lights come on, but turn the key and nothing happens. Oddly enough, the electric windows do not work since the car died. Anybody have any idea what's going on? Is there maybe something electrical in the steering wheel or steering column that might be causing this problem? Thanks in advance for all the help, you guys/gals are great.

64bit

Take the cover off the steering column and check the electrical connection to the ingition switch. They are known for issues.

88 orangepeel notch

I'd like to know more about this "thump to the steering wheel". Did the GF hit her head ?

89Fox2013

Thankfully no one, including the GF, was used to deliver the notorious "thump." I have put some decent money into trying to figure out what's going on without much any luck. I've been told everything from ECU (which I replaced) to fuses, to fuel filter, to ignition/ignition coil. I'm thinking its electrical, though very strange because the power windows died with the car-just doesn't seem to correlate. From a fully charged battery, get dash lights and headlights, but I can maybe turn the key 3 or 4 times before the battery just goes dead. First turn it kind of sounds like it might go, then the next two times its just a click. Again, I'd appreciate any help.

88 orangepeel notch

Have your battery load tested.